Folding apparatus

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for folding limp merchandise, such as hosiery, panty hose, or other items of apparel for packaging, in which the merchandise is placed on a conveyor belt with end portions of the merchandise on a pair of platforms on opposite sides of the belt. A card may be placed on the portion of the merchandise between the platforms. One platform is moved inwardly over the belt to fold over the respective end portion of the merchandise and then returned to its retracted position alongside the belt, after which the other platform is moved inwardly over the belt to fold over the other end portion of the merchandise and then returned to its retracted position alongside the belt. As each platform moves inwardly, it is tilted to be inclined downwardly from its outer end.

limited States atent n91 Stringer et a1.

[ 1 Aug. 7, 1973 1 FOLDING APPARATUS [73] Assignee: Kellwood Company,St. Louis, Mo.

[22] Filed: Sept. 20, 1971 21 Appl. No.: 181,875

2,758,761 8/1956 lsaacson 223/37 2,954,906 10/1960 Lamade et a1. 223/]3,310,930 3/1967 Korch et a1. 53/117 3,167,223 1/1965 Weiss 223/373,516,582 6/1970 Stossl et a1 223/37 BL'X 311? 3,290,855 12/1966 Briucket a1. 53/117 X 3,514,019 5/1970 Glaze et a1 223/1 2,629,520 2/1953Johnson 223/37 Primary Examiner-Geo. V. Larkin Att0rneyKoenig, Senniger,Powers and Leavitt [57] ABSTRACT Apparatus for folding limp merchandise,such as hosiery, panty hose, or other items of apparel for packaging, inwhich the merchandise is placed on a conveyor belt with end portions ofthe merchandise on a pair of platforms on opposite sides of the belt. Acard may be placed on the portion of the merchandise between theplatforms. One platform is moved inwardly over the belt to fold over therespective end portion of the merchandise and then returned to itsretracted position alongside the belt, after which the other platform ismoved inwardly over the belt to fold over the other end portion of themerchandise and then returned to its retracted position alongside thebelt. As each platform moves inwardly, it is tilted to be inclineddownwardly from its outer end.

32 Claims, 25 Drawing Figures Flea PAIENIED 7975 3.750.916

FIG.3

FIG.4

FIG.7

PAIENIEB SIIEEIZIJF8 FIG.8

1 FOLDING APPARATUS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relatesto folding apparatus, and more particularly to apparatus for foldinglimp merchandise, such as hosiery, panty hose, and other items ofapparel.

The invention is especially concerned with the automation of theoperation of folding hosiery and panty hose, and more particularly thefolding of such mer chandise on a card, for subsequent packaging in anenvelope or plastic film, this operation heretofore having generallybeen carried out by hand.

Reference may be made to US. Pat. Nos. 3,290,855, 3,310,930, 3,514,019and 3,516,582 as prior art in this field.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Among the several objects of this invention maybe noted the provision of improved apparatus for folding hosiery, pantyhose, or other limp merchandise, accomplishing automatically what hasheretofore been generally carried out by hand; the provision of suchapparatus particularly for folding the merchandise on a card; and theprovision of such apparatus which accomplishes the folding in apredictable and controlled manner without damaging the merchandise. Ingeneral, apparatus of this invention in its basic essentials comprisesmeans for supporting the merchandise, such as a pair of womensstockings, with one portion of the merchandise which is to be foldedover to lie above another portion of the merchandise extending outwardlyon one side of the supporting means, and means for folding over this oneportion of the merchandise to lie above the other portion thereofcomprising a platform movable away from a retracted position at the saidone side of the supporting means inwardly over the supporting means andthen back to its retracted position whereby the merchandise may beplaced in position for a folding operation on the supporting means withsaid one portion thereof supported on the platform, after which theplatform may be moved in the manner stated to fold over said oneportion. Other objects and features will be in part apparent and in partpointed out hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a plan view of a foldingapparatus made in accordance with this invention;

FIGS. 2-7 are semi-diagrammatic views illustrating successive steps inthe operation of the apparatus to fold merchandise around the ends of acard;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged longitudinal section on line 8-8 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged transverse section on line 99 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a fragment of FIG. 9 illustrating moved positions of aplatform of the apparatus;

FIG. 11 is a diagram of a pneumatic circuit of the apparatus;

FIG. 12 is a detail ofa timing mechanism of the apparatus;

FIG. 13 is a left end view of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a view similar to FIG. 8 showing a modification;

FIG. 15 is a view similar to FIG. 9 showing the FIG. 14 modification;

FIGS. 16-19 are semi-diagrammatic views illustrating successive steps inthe operation of the FIG. 15 apparatus to fold merchandise around theends of a card; and

FIGS. 20-25 are semi-diagrammatic views illustrat ing a modification formaking four folds and its sequence of operation.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views of the drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to the drawings,first more particularly to FIGS. 1 and 8-10, apparatus made inaccordance with this invention particularly for folding elongate limpmerchandise such as womens hosiery and panty hose on cards is shownbasically to comprise means generally indicated at 1 for supporting themerchandise M with one end portion ML of the merchandise extendingoutwardly on one side of the supporting means (the left side as viewedin FIGS. 1 and 9), and with the other end portion MR extending outwardlyon the other side of the supporting means. At BL is indicated means forfolding the end portion ML of the merchandise around one end of a card Cplaced on the intermediate portion Mi of the merchandise lying on thesupporting means 1, and at SR is indicated means for folding the otherend portion MR of the merchandise around the other end of the card(after the folding over of the end portion ML). Each folding means 3Land 3R comprises a platform 5L and SR, respectively, and means generallydesignated 7L and 7R, respectively, mounting each platform for movementand for moving it away from a retracted position at its respective sideof the supporting means 1 inwardly over the supporting means and thenback to its said retracted position, whereby the merchandise M may beplaced in position for a folding operation on the supporting means withend portion ML thereof supported on platform 5L (the left-hand platformas viewed in FIGS. 1 and 9) and end portion MR thereof supported on theother platform 5R, after which a card C may be placed on theintermediate portion Mi of the merchandise which lies on the supportingmeans 1, platform 5L moved in the manner stated (i.e., to the right) tofold end portion ML of the merchandise around the left end of the cardto lie above the card (and portion Mi of the merchandise), and platform5R moved in the manner stated (i.e., to the left) to fold end portion MRof the merchandise around the right end of the card to overlie thefolded-over end portion ML. As will be subsequently described in detail,each mounting and moving means 7L and 7R includes means for tilting therespective platform 3L or 3R to be inclined downwardly from its outerend when it moves inwardly.

The supporting means I as herein illustrated comprises an endless beltconveyor constituted by an endless belt 9 trained around rolls 11 and 13journalled on horizontal shafts l5 and 17 mounted at their ends asindicated at 19 underneath the top 21 of a table 23. The top 21 of thistable 23 has a relatively wide slot 25 therein extending from adjacentone edge 27 thereof constituting what may be termed its front edge allthe way to its opposite or rear edge 29.. It also has a pair ofrectangular openings 31L and 31R at opposite sides of the slot 25adjacent the front end of the slot, these openings being dimensionedslightly larger than the platforms 3L and 3R (which are rectangular).The openings 31L and 31R open at their inner ends into the slot, asshown best in FIG. 1. The shaft extends transversely of the slot andjust below the table top 21 adjacent the front end of the slot, and theshaft 17 extends transversely of the slot and just below the table topat the rear end of the table top. Roll 11 projects up into the slot 25,and rolls 11 and 13 have their tops just below the plane of the uppersurface of the table top 21 so that the belt 9 has a horizontal upperreach 9a (which constitutes the supporting means 1 proper) extendingfrom the front to the rear end of the slot. The portion 21A of the tabletop 21 in front of the openings 31L and 31R and the front end of theslot 25 provides space for holding merchandise to be folded and to behandled by a worker seated at the front of the table. The belt 9 isadapted to be driven in the direction for forward movement of its upperreach 90 (in the direction indicated by the arrows in FIGS. 1 and 8)from a motor 33 via chain and sprocket drive generally indicated at 35.Means for tensioning the belt is indicated generally at 37. Thisincludes a belt tensioning roller 39 engaging the inside of the lower(return) reach of the belt carried by a yoke 41 and adapted to be forceddownwardly for tensioning the belt by means of a screw 43 having itsupper end engaging a frame structure 45 below the table top 21.

Each platform 5L and SR is of rectangular shape with a rounded inneredge 47. Each of the mounting and moving means 7L and 7R for theplatforms comprises a carriage 49 slidable laterally inwardly andoutwardly at the respective side of the table 23 on a pair of parallelhorizontal guide rods 51 extending transversely of the table 23underneath the table top 21. These rods 51 are located in verticaltransverse planes between the front and rear edges of the openings 31Land 31R and extend between the upper reach 9a and the lower return reach9b of the belt 9. Each carriage carriesa pair of vertical tubular guidesindicated at 53 located on the inside of rods 51. The two guides 53 ofeach pair are in a vertical plane parallel to the belt 9. Rods 55 arevertically slidable in these guides. Each platform 5L and SR ispivotally mounted at the upper end of the respective pair of rods 55 bymeans of a pin 57, enabling tilting of the platform about an axistransverse to the length of the platform (i.e., parallel to the belt 9).

Extending down from each platform 5L and SR at one side thereof and atthe respective side of the carriage 49 (the front side as hereinillustrated) is a curved cam plate 59 having a cam slot 61 thereinreceiving a follower pin 63 which extends outwardly from the side of thecarriage. The slot 61 has an upper vertical end portion 610 and a lowercurved portion 61b extending downwardly and inwardly from the lower endof portion 61a. When the rods 55 are down in a lowered retractedposition (FIGS. 8 and 9), the upper end of portion 61a of slot 61engages the pin 63, and the platform occupies a lowered retractedposition in which it lies horizontally within the respective opening 31Lor 31R, generally flush with the upper reach 9a of the belt 9. When therods 55 are raised, the platform is first raised a distancecorresponding to the height of vertical portion 610 of slot 61 withoutbeing tilted (i.e., it remains horizontal) and then as it is raisedfurther, it is tilted by reason of the shape of portion 61b of the camslot to be inclined downwardly from its outer end.

The pair of rods 55 of each of the mounting and moving means 7L and 7Rextends upwardly from a clevis 65. A shaft 67 extends through the sidesof the clevis and has cam follower rollers 69 at its ends on the outsideof the sides of the clevis rolling in cam slots 71 in a pair of fixedcam plates 73 which extend down from the aforesaid frame structure 45 onopposite sides of the clevis. Each cam slot 71 has an outer vertical endportion 71a and a portion 71b inclined upwardly from the upper end ofthe end portion 71 in the direction toward the longitudinal centralplane of the belt 9 (and table 23), with a curved transition 710. Thearrangement is such that, with the cam follower rollers 69 at the lowerend of the vertical end portions 71a of the respective pair of cam slots71, the clevis 65 and the pair of rods 55 occupy a lower and outerretracted position. The clevis is adapted to move vertically upwardly toraise the rods 55 via vertically upward travel of followers 69 inportions 71a of the cam slots 71, then to move laterally inwardlyrelative to the table 23 and also upwardly as it moves inwardly viatravel of the followers 69 in portions 710 and then in portions 71b ofthe cam slots 71. For moving the clevis, there is provided an-aircylinder 75 pivoted as indicated at 77 adjacent one end thereofconstituting its upper end between the plates 73 at their lower outercorners. A piston rod 79 extends from a piston 81 (see FIG. 11) in thecylinder to a connection at 83 with the shaft 67 of the clevis 65.

Referring now to FIG. 11, the cylinder 75 of the lefthand platformmoving means 7L and the cylinder 75 of the right-hand platform movingmeans 7R are shown to be controlled by valves V1 and V2, respectively.The motor 33 for driving the chain is a pneumatic motor of the typehaving a vane which swings forward to rotate the output shaft of themotor forward on supply of compressed air to a port 33a and venting of aport 3317, the vane resetting without backward rotation of the outputshaft on supply of compressed air to port 33b and venting of port 33a.It is controlled by a third valve V3. The three valves V1, V2 and V3 areoperated in sequence each for a predetermined time interval with apredetermined time interval between operation of valves V1 and V2 and apredetermined time interval between operation of valves V2 and V3 by avalve actuator 89 (see FIGS. 12 and 13) driven by a timing cylinder 91(see FIGS. 11-l3).

At 93 in FIG. 11 is indicated a source of compressed air which suppliesa compressed air line 95 including a filter 97, an air regulator 99 anda lubricator 101. At V4 (see FIGS. 11 and 12) is indicated a returnvalve operated by the valve actuator 89 after valve V3 for effectingoperation of the timing cylinder 91 to return the actuator. Apedal-operated valve V5 controls the operation of the timing cylinder91, effecting forward movement of the valve actuator 89 to actuatevalves Vl-V4 in sequence when its pedal is actuated. A line 103 connectsthe air supply line 95 and the inlet port V4a of return valve V4, and aline 105 connects the outlet port V4b of valve V4 and a pilot cylinder107 of the pedaloperated valve V5. A line 109 including an adjustableflow control 1 l1 interconnects a first port V5a of valve V5 and theforward end of the timing cylinder 91 and a line 113 interconnects asecond port V5b of valve V5 and the rearward end of the timing cylinder.The arrangement is such that on operation of the pedal P of valve V5 bythe worker seated at table 23, air is supplied from port V5b via line113 to the rearward end of cylinder 91, and the forward end of cylinder91 is vented via line 109 and port V5a, to effect forward movement ofthe piston 115 and piston rod 117 of cylinder 91 and of the actuator 89(which is driven by the piston rod 117). The rate of movement of thepiston and piston rod, and hence the timing, is controlled by the flowcontrol 111, which may be adjusted to vary the timing. On operation ofvalve V4 by the actuator at the end of its forward stroke, air issupplied to the forward end of cylinder 91 and vented from its rearwardend to retract the piston rod 117 and the actuator.

Branch lines 119, 121 and 123 connect the air supply line 95 to inletports Vla, V2a and V3a, respectively, of valves V1, V2 and V3. A line125 including an ad justable flow control 127 interconnects port Vlb ofvalve V1 and the upper end of the lefthand cylinder 75. A line 129including an adjustable flow control 131 interconnects the lower end ofthe left-hand cylinder 75 and port Vlc of valve V1 and a line 133connects exhaust port Vld of valve V1 to a muffler 135. A line 137including an adjustable flow control 139 interconnects port V2b of valveV2 and the upper end of the righthand cylinder 75. A line 141 includingan adjustable flow control 143 interconnects the lower end of theright-hand cylinder 75 and port V2c of valve V2, and a line 145 connectsexhaust port V2d of valve V2 to a muffler 147. A line 149 interconnectsport V3b of valve V3 to the port 3312 of the pneumatic motor 33 and aline 151 including an adjustable flow control 153 interconnects port 330of the motor and port V3c of valve V3. A line 155 connects exhaust portV3d of valve V3 to a muffler 157.

Referring now more particularly to FIGS. 12 and 13, the timing cylinder91 and valves V1-V4 are shown to be carried by a channel member 159, thecylinder being mounted within the channel member underneath its upperflange 161, and the valves Vl-V4 being mounted on the lower flange 163of the channel member arranged in a row forward of the forward end ofthe cylinder. Each of the valves Vl-V4 has an operating button 165 atits upper end above the flange 163. A pair of posts 167 extending upwardfrom the flange 163 support a pivot rod 169 extending alongside thevalves and somewhat above the valve operating buttons 165. Pivoted onthis rod and bearing on the buttons are four valve-actuating levers V1L,V2L, V3L and V4L for the four valves V1, V2, V3 and V4, respectively. Alever 171 pivoted intermediate its ends at 173 on the flange 163 has itsends engaging the bottoms of levers VlL and V2L with the arrangementsuch that when lever VlL is swung down, V2L is swung up, and vice versa.

The piston rod 117 of timing cylinder 91 has a cylindric head 175 at itsforward (outer) end, this head being formed with a flat 177 at itsforward end, providing a shoulder 179 at the rearward end of the flat. Apin 181 extends up from the head 175, being slidable in a longitudinalslot indicated at 183 in flange 161. The valve actuator 89 comprises anarm pivoted as indicated at 185 on the flat 177 and extending downwardlytherefrom, with a roller 187 at its lower end for engagement with leversV1L-V4L (one after another) to actuate valves Vl-V4 (one after another)as the arm 89 moves forward. Each of levers VlL-V4L has a downwardlycurved rear edge such as indicated at 189 for initial engagement by theroller 187. Arm 89 is held against swinging back (counterclockwise asviewed in FIG. 12) for actuating levers V1 L-V4L as it moves forward byits engagement (adjacent its upper end) with the shoulder 179. However,it is free to swing up in clockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 12 onits rearward return movement for returning to its retracted position(shown in solid lines in FIG. 12) without actuating the levers.

Each of the valves Vl-V3 is normally set to connect its a port to its bport and to connect its 6 port to its d port, whereby the piston rods 79of cylinders are retracted, and the vane of motor 33 is retracted. Thus,the platforms 5L and SR are normally down in their retracted position ofFIGS. 1, 2 and. 9. When the button of any one of these valves is pusheddown (and held down), its a port is connected to its c port, and its '1)port is connected to its d port, and when the button is released, thevalve (under internal spring action) returns to its normal setting. Thevalve V5 is normally set to supply air via its a port to the forward endof cylinder 91 and to vent air from the rearward end of cylinder 91 viaits 12 port so that valve actuator 89 is normally retracted. When pedalP of valve V5 is pushed down, this is reversed, and then when its pilotcylinder 107 is actuated, valve V5 returns to its said normal setting.The return valve V4 normally blocks flow of air to the pilot cylinder107, and opens to supply air to cylinder 107 when its button is pusheddown.

Operation is as follows:

As above noted, the platforms 5L and SR are normally down in theirretracted position of FIGS. 1, 2 and 9, lying horizontally within theiropenings 31L and 31R, generally flush with the upper reach 9a of thebelt 9. The valve actuator 89 is normally back in its retracted positionof FIG. 12. The worker, seated at the front of table 23, takes a pair ofstockings, for example, and lays them across the rearward end of theupper reach 9a of the belt 9 with intermediate portion Mi of thestockings on the belt, the left end portion of the stockings on thelefthand platform 5L, and the right end portion (the thigh portion, asshown in FIG. 1) of the stockings on the right-hand platform 5R. Inthecase of relatively long stockings, the worker will fold over the toeportion of the stockings as shown in FIG. 1 so that the feet of the pairof stockings overlie the intermediate portion Mi of the stockings. Theworker then places a card C on the intermediate portion Mi (and feet) ofthe stockings overlying the upper reach 9a of the belt 9, the cardhaving a length somewhat less than the width of the belt, and then stepson the pedal P of valve V5. This results in air being supplied via line113 to the rearward end of the timing cylinder 91 and vented at acontrolled rate from the forward end of the cylinder 91 via line 109, sothat the piston and piston rod 117 of cylinder 91 are driven forward atcontrolled speed (as determined by the setting of flow control 111).

As the piston rod 117 moves forward, the roller 187 at the lower end ofthe actuating :arm 89 on the head 175 at the forward end of the pistonrod, moving forward therewith, comes into engagement with the actuatinglever VlL for valve V1 and thereby holds this valve on for the timedinterval that it takes roller 187 to roll over the entire width of theactuating lever VlL. With valve V1 on, air is supplied via ports Vla andVlc and line 129 to the lower (outer) end of the left-hand cylinder 75,and vented from the upper (inner) end of the left-hand cylinder 75 vialine and ports Vlb and Vld to advance the piston rod 79 of the left-handcylinder 75 thereby raising the left-hand rods 55 and moving them inwardto raise the left-hand platform L and move it inward (see FIGS. 3, 4 andThe platform first moves upward without moving inward, and withouttilting (see FIG. 3 and note the initial raised platform position shownin phantom in FIG. 10). Then, as cam follower rollers 69 of theleft-hand mechanism 7L enter and move along portions 71c and 71b of thecam slots 71, the platform 5L moves inward as well as upward, and istilted to be inclined downwardly from its outer end as it moves inwardlyby the action of the cam plate 59 carried by the platform 5L inconjunction with the respective pin 63. FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate thisinward movement and tilting of platform 5L.

As the left-hand platform SL is raised, moved inward and tilted, itfolds (or wraps) the left-hand portion ML of the stockings around theleft-hand edge of the card C (see FIG. 4). The portion ML slides nicelyoff the lower end 47 of the tilted platform 5L and the folding iseffected under completely controlled conditions without damaging thestockings (which are delicate).

The roller 187 at the lower end of arm 89, in moving forward, rolls offthe first lever VlL and on to the second lever VlL, as a result of whichvalve V1 is released and returns to its normal setting in which itsupplies air to the upper end and vents the lower end of the lefthandcylinder 75. The piston rod 79 of this cylinder is thereby retracted toreturn the left-hand platform 5L to its retracted position (see FIG. 5),leaving the portion ML of the stockings folded over on top of the cardC. Lever V2L actuates valve V2 and holds this valve on for the timedinterval that it takes roller 187 to roll over the entire width of theactuating lever V2L. With valve V2 on, air is supplied via ports V2a andV2c and line 141 to the lower (outer) end of the right-hand cylinder 75,and vented from the upper (inner) end of the righthand cylinder 75 vialine 137 and ports V2b and V2d to advance the piston rod 79 of theright-hand cylinder 75, thereby raising the right-hand rods 55 andmoving them inward to raise the right-hand platform SR and move itinward (see FIGS. 5 and 6). The platform first moves upward withoutmoving inward and without tilting (see FIG. 5). Then, as cam followerrollers 69 of the right-hand mechanism 7R enter and move along portions71c and 71b of the cam slots 71, the platform 5R moves inward as well asupward, and is tilted to be inclined downwardly from its outer end as itmoves inwardly by the action of the cam plate 59 carried by the platform5R in conjunction with the respective pin 63. FIGS. 5 and 6 illustratethis inward movement and tilting of platform 5R.

As the right-hand platform SR is raised, moved inward and tilted, itfolds (or wraps) the righthand portion MR of the stockings around theright-hand edge of the card C (see FIG. 6). The portion MR slides nicelyoff the lower end 47 of the tilted platform SR and the folding iseffected under completely controlled conditions and without damaging thestockings.

It is preferred that the camming actions ofeach of the means 7L and 7Rbe such that the edge 47 of the respective platform 5L or SR remainsnearly in the same horizontal plane (e.g., about one inch above theupper reach 9a of belt 9) as the platform moves inwardly over the belt(see FIG. 10).

The roller 187 at the lower end of arm 89, still moving forward, rollsoff the second lever V2L, as a result of which valve V2 is released andreturns to its normal setting in which it supplies air to the upper endand vents the lower end of the right-hand cylinder 75. The piston rod 79of this cylinder is thereby retracted to return the right-hand platformto its retracted position (see FIG. 7), leaving the portion MR of thestockings folded over on top of portion ML. The roller 187 then rolls onto the third valve actuator lever V3L and thereby holds valve V3 on forthe timed interval that it takes the roller to roll over the entirewidth of lever V3L. With valve V3 on, air is supplied to port 330 andvented from port 33b of motor 33 to operate the motor to drive the belt9 to convey away the card with the stockings folded thereon toward therear of table 23. The motor continues in operation until roller 187rolls off lever V3L, at which point valve V3 resets to reset the vane ofthe motor. The roller 187 then rolls on to lever V4L to actuate valve V4and thereby, via pilot cylinder 107, reset valve V5 to effect retractionof the piston rod 117 of cylinder 91 and thus to effect return of arm 89to its retracted position shown in solid lines in FIG. 12. As the arm 89returns (i.e., moves to the right as viewed in FIG. 12), it swings up inpassing over levers V3L, V2L and VlL without actuating them. Theapparatus is then ready for the next folding operation.

FIGS. 14l9 illustrate a modification wherein the platforms 5L and SR,instead of being generally flush with the upper reach 9a of the belt 9when in their retracted position, are at a level above the upper reachof the belt. FIGS. 14-16 show the platforms in this retracted position,and FIGS. 17-19 show the sequence of operation, involving inwardmovement of the platforms, and raising and tilting thereof as if the camfollower rollers 69 started at the outer (lower) ends of cam slotscorresponding generally to portions 71b of slots 71, without the initialvertical rise. In the operation of this modification, the worker laysthe stockings across the platforms 5L and SR and, in applying the card Cto the intermediate portion Mi of the stockings, pushes the card andportion Mi down between the opposed inner edges 47 of the platforms, asillustrated in FIG. 16.

FIGS. 14 and 15 also illustrate the provision of abutment strips 191spanning the inner ends of openings 31L and 31R at opposite sides of theupper reach 9a of the belt 9 at the folding station, extending'upwardlyabove the upper reach 90 for preventing a card C from being pushedlaterally to one side or the other by a platform if the card, by chance,should be tilted upwardly when a platform rises. I

The upper surfaces and edges 47 of the platforms 5L and SR arepreferably smooth so as to impose as little frictional resistance aspossible to the sliding of portions ML and MR off the platforms as theplatforms are moved inwardly and tilted, and so as to avoid any snaggingof the merchandise. It is contemplated that each platform might evenconprise a set of rollers (like a roller conveyor) and it is possiblethat provision may be made for positively driving the rollers positivelyto feed portions MR and ML of the merchandise off the platforms.

While as above described the merchandise is folded over around the endsof cards C, it has been found that the apparatus is effectively operableto fold merchandise of the type above described without the use of cards(e.g., to fold over portion ML directly on top of portion Mi, and thento fold over portion MR on top of portion ML).

It is also contemplated that the principles of the in vention may beapplicable to apparatus for folding merchandise other than hosiery andparity hose; for example, they may be applicable to apparatus forfolding such merchandise as T-shirts (wherein the sides of the shirt arefolded over either with or without a card, and possibly also the lowerend portion of the shirt). Furthermore, it is contemplated that morethan two platforms may be used for making more than two folds; forexample, additional platforms may be provided laterally outwardly ofplatforms L and SR to fold end portions of merchandise over on theseplatforms, followed by operation of platforms 5L and SR as abovedescribed. This type of apparatus and its sequence of oporation isillustrated in FIGS. -25, wherein the additional platforms aredesignated 5LA and SRA. The sequence involves operation of platform SLAto fold over portion MLA of the merchandise on ML (FIG. 21), followed byretraction of platform SLA and operation of platform 5L to fold overportions MLA and ML on Mi (FIG. 21), followed by retraction of platform5L. Then platform SRA is operated to fold over portion MRA (FIG. 23) ofthe merchandise on MR and then retracted, and platform SR is operated tofold over MRA and MR on ML (FIG. 24) and then retracted (FIG. 25).

In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of theinvention are achieved and other advantageous results attained.

As various changes could be made in the above constructions withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention, it is intended that allmatter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanyingdrawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limitingsense.

What is claimed is:

1. Apparatus for folding limp merchandise comprising means forsupporting the merchandise with one portion of the merchandise which isto be folded over to lie above another portion of the merchandise extending outwardly on one side of said supporting means, and means forfolding over said one portion of the merchandise to lie above said otherportion thereof comprising a platform, and means mounting said platformfor bodily movement and for moving it bodily away from a retractedposition at said one side of said supporting means inwardly over saidsupporting means, and then back to said retracted position, saidplatform, when in its retracted position, having one end, constitutingits inner end, adjacent said one side of the supporting means and havingits other end, constituting its outer end, spaced from said supportingmeans, said inner end of said platform moving bodily inwardly over saidsupporting means from said one side thereof as said platform movesbodily inwardly, whereby the merchandise may be placed in position for afolding operation on the supporting means with said one portion thereofsupported on the platform, after which the platform may be moved in themanner stated to fold over said one portion of the merchandise.

2. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said platform, when inretracted position, is generally flush with said supporting means, andwherein said mounting and moving means includes means for moving theplatform upwardly before it moves inwardly.

3. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said platform, when inretracted position, is at a level above said ssupporting means.

4. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said mounting and movingmeans includes means for tilting the platform to be inclined downwardlyfrom its outer end when it moves inwardly.

5. Apparatus as set forth in claim 4 wherein said platform, when inretracted position, is generally flush with said supporting means, andwherein said mounting and moving means includes means for moving theplatform upwardly before it moves inwardly.

6. Apparatus as set forth in claim 4 wherein said platform, when inretracted position, is at a level above said supporting means.

7. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said sup porting meanscomprises a conveyor operable after the folding operation to convey awaythe folded merchandise.

8. Apparatus as set forth in claim 7 wherein said platform, when inretracted position, is generally flush with said conveyor, and whereinsaid mounting and moving means includes means for moving the platformupwardly before it moves inwardly.

9. Apparatus as set forth in claim 7 wherein said platform, when inretracted position, is at a level above said conveyor.

10. Apparatus as set forth in claim 7 wherein said mounting and movingmeans includes means for tilting the platform to be inclined downwardlyfrom its outer end when it moves inwardly.

11. Apparatus as set forth in claim 10 wherein said platform, when inretracted position, is generally flush with said conveyor, and whereinsaid mounting and moving means includes means for moving the platformupwardly before it moves inwardly.

12. Apparatus as set forth in claim 10 wherein said platform, when inretracted position, is at a level above said conveyor,

13. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 for folding the merchandise on acard with one end portion of the merchandise folded around one end ofthe card wherein said supporting means is adapted to support themerchandise with said one end portion thereof extending outwardly onsaid one side of the supporting means and lying on said platform,whereby the merchandise may be placed in position for a foldingoperation on the supporting means with said one end portion thereofsupported on the platform, after which a card may be placed on theportion of the merchandise lying on said supporting means, and theplatfomi then moved in the manner stated to fold said one end portion ofthe merchandise around the respective end of the card.

14. Apparatus for folding limp merchandise with end portions of themerchandise fold-ed over one on the other comprising means forsupporting an intermediate portion of the merchandise with outerportions of the merchandise extending laterally outwardly on oppositesides of said supporting means, and means for folding over one of saidouter portions of the merchandise to lie above said intermediate portionof the merchandise and then folding over the other said outer portion ofthe merchandise to overlap the first folded-over portion comprising afirst platform at one side of said supporting means for supporting saidone outer portion of the merchandise, a second platform at the otherside of said supporting means for supporting said other outer portion ofthe merchandise, and means mounting each platform for movement and formoving it away from a retracted position at its respective side of saidsupporting means inwardly over said supporting means, and then back tosaid retracted position, each said platform, when in its retractedposition, having one end, constituting its inner end, adjacent its saidone side of the supporting means and having its other end, constitutingits outer end, spaced from said supporting means, said inner end of saidplatform moving bodily inwardly over said supporting means from its saidone side thereof as said platform moves bodily inwardly, whereby themerchandise may be placed in position for a folding operation on thesupporting means with the said outer portions thereof supported on theplatforms on opposite sides of the supporting means, after which thefirst platform may be moved in the manner stated to fold over the saidone outer portion of the merchandise and the second platform then movedin the manner stated to fold over the said other outer portion of themerchandise.

15. Apparatus as set forth in claim 14 wherein each said platform, whenin its said retracted position, is generally flush with said supportingmeans, and wherein the mounting and moving means for each platformincludes means for moving the platform upwardly before it movesinwardly.

16. Apparatus as set forth in claim 14 wherein each said platform, whenin retracted position, is at a level above said supporting means.

17. Apparatus as set forth in claim 14 wherein the mounting and movingmeans for each platform includes means for tilting the platform to beinclined downwardly from its outer end when it moves inwardly.

18. Apparatus as set forth in claim 17 wherein each platform, when inits said retracted position, is generally flush with said supportingmeans, and wherein the mounting and moving means for each platformincludes means for moving the platform upwardly before it movesinwardly.

19. Apparatus as set forth in claim 17 wherein each said platform, whenin retracted position, is at a level above said supporting means.

20. Apparatus as set forth in claim 14 wherein said supporting meanscomprises an upper horizontal reach of an endless belt conveyor operableafter the folding operation to convey away the folded merchandise.

21. Apparatus as set forth in claim 20 wherein each platform, when inretracted position is generally flush with said upper reach, and whereinthe mounting and moving means for each platform includes means formoving the platform upwardly before it moves inwardly.

22. Apparatus as set forth in claim 20 wherein said platform, when inretracted position, is at a level above said conveyor.

23. Apparatus as set forth in claim 20 wherein said mounting and movingmeans includes means for tilting the platform to be inclined downwardlyfrom its outer end when it moves inwardly.

24. Apparatus as set forth in claim 23 wherein said platform, when inretracted position, is generally flush with said upper reach, andwherein said mounting and moving means includes means for moving theplatform upwardly before it moves inwardly.

25. Apparatus as set forth in claim 23 wherein said platform, when inretracted position, is at a level above said upper reach.

26. Apparatus for folding limp merchandise with end portions of themerchandise folded over one on the other comprising means for supportingan intermediate portion of the merchandise with outer portions of themerchandise extending laterally outwardly on opposite sides of saidsupporting means, and means for folding over one of said outer portionsof the merchandise to lie above said intermediate portion of themerchandise and then folding over the other said outer portion of themerchandise to overlap the first folded-over portion comprising a firstplatform at one side of said supporting means for supporting said oneouter portion of the merchandise, a second platform at the other side ofsaid supporting means for supporting said other outer portion of themerchandise, means mounting each platform for movement and for moving itaway from a retracted position at its respective side of said supportingmeans inwardly over said supporting means, and then back to saidretracted position, whereby the merchandise may be placed in positionfor a folding operation on the supporting means with the said outerportions thereof supported on the platforms on opposite sides of thesupporting means, after which the first-platform may be moved in themanner stated to fold over the said one outer portion of the merchandiseand the second platform then moved in the manner stated to fold over thesaid other outer portion of the merchandise, said supporting meanscomprising an upper horizontal reach of an endless belt conveyoroperable after the folding operation to convey away the foldedmerchandise, said mounting and moving means including means for tiltingthe platform to be inclined downwardly from its outer end when it movesinwardly, the mounting, and moving means for each platform comprising acarriage movable laterally inwardly with respect to said conveyor awayfrom a retracted position at its respective side of the carriage to anadvanced position and then movable back to its retracted position,platformsupporting means carried by each carriage for vertical movementrelative thereto, each platform being pivoted at the upper end of itsrespective supporting means for swinging movement about a horizontalaxis extending parallel to the conveyor, means interconnecting eachcarriage and the respective platform for effecting said tilting of theplatform on its said axis as the respective platform-supporting meansmoves upwardly, and means for raising and lowering each platformsupporting means and moving it and the respective carriage inwardly andoutwardly.

27. Apparatus as set forth in claim 26 wherein each said raising andlowering means comprises a follower at the lower end of the respectiveplatform-supporting means, fixed cam means guiding the follower forinward and outward and upward and downward movement thereof, and an aircylinder for moving the follower.

28. Apparatus as set forth in claim 27 having means for effectingoperation in sequence of one platform, then the other, and then ttheconveyor to convey away the folded merchandise.

29. Apparatus as set forth in claim 26 wherein each tilting meanscomprises cam means on the respective platform and a follower thereforon the respective carriage.

30. Apparatus as set forth in claim 14 for folding the merchandise on acard with said end portions folded over around opposite ends of the cardadapted for placement of a card on said intermediate portion of themerchandise, whereby the merchandise may be placed in position for afolding operation on the supporting means with the said outer portionsthereof supported on the platforms on opposite sides of the supportingmeans, after which a card may be placed on the intermediate portion ofthe merchandise lying on said supporting means, the first platform thenmoved in the manner stated to fold said one outer portion of themerchandise around the respective end of the card, and the secondplatform then moved in the manner stated to fold the said other outerportion of the merchandise around the other end of the card.

31. Apparatus for folding limp merchandise comprising supporting means,an inner platform normally occupying a retracted position on one side ofsaid supporting means, and an outer platform normally occupying aretracted position outward of said inner platform, adapted to receivemerchandise with portions thereof lying on said supporting means andsaid platforms, the outer platform being movable away from its retractedposition over the inner platform for folding the portion of themerchandise on the outer platform over on the portion on the innerplatform, and then back to retracted position, the inner platform thenbeing movable away from its retracted position over the supporting meansfor folding the two portions of the merchandise thereon over on theportion on the supporting means, and then back to retracted position.

32. Apparatus as set forth in claim 31 having an inner and an outerplatform on the other side of said supporting means.

@ 3 3 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERHFECATE CF CCRECTWN Patent No. 3750 916 Dated August 7, 1973 Myron Scott Strimger Daniel W. Smith,Invented Robert Ga Maclye'raan and Robert w, Elderbaum It is certifiedthat error appears in the aboveeidentified patent and that said LettersPatent are hereby corrected as shown below:

r- Front page, item [75], "Robert W, Eldenbaum" should "1 read Robert W.Elderbaum Column 3, line 22, "belt tensioning roller" should readbelt-tensioning roller Column 5, line 16, "lefthand" should readleft-hand Column 6, line 38, "lefthand" should read left-hand Column 7,line 2 1, "VlL" should read V2L Column 10, line '3 "s suppmting shouldread supporting; Column 12 line 62, tthe" (second occurrence) shouldread the Signed and sealed this 12th day of February 1974.

(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD M.FLETCHER,JR. Co MARSHALL DANN Commissioner of Patents AttestingOfficer

1. Apparatus for folding limp merchandise comprising means forsupporting the merchandise With one portion of the merchandise which isto be folded over to lie above another portion of the merchandiseextending outwardly on one side of said supporting means, and means forfolding over said one portion of the merchandise to lie above said otherportion thereof comprising a platform, and means mounting said platformfor bodily movement and for moving it bodily away from a retractedposition at said one side of said supporting means inwardly over saidsupporting means, and then back to said retracted position, saidplatform, when in its retracted position, having one end, constitutingits inner end, adjacent said one side of the supporting means and havingits other end, constituting its outer end, spaced from said supportingmeans, said inner end of said platform moving bodily inwardly over saidsupporting means from said one side thereof as said platform movesbodily inwardly, whereby the merchandise may be placed in position for afolding operation on the supporting means with said one portion thereofsupported on the platform, after which the platform may be moved in themanner stated to fold over said one portion of the merchandise. 2.Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said platform, when inretracted position, is generally flush with said supporting means, andwherein said mounting and moving means includes means for moving theplatform upwardly before it moves inwardly.
 3. Apparatus as set forth inclaim 1 wherein said platform, when in retracted position, is at a levelabove said ssupporting means.
 4. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1wherein said mounting and moving means includes means for tilting theplatform to be inclined downwardly from its outer end when it movesinwardly.
 5. Apparatus as set forth in claim 4 wherein said platform,when in retracted position, is generally flush with said supportingmeans, and wherein said mounting and moving means includes means formoving the platform upwardly before it moves inwardly.
 6. Apparatus asset forth in claim 4 wherein said platform, when in retracted position,is at a level above said supporting means.
 7. Apparatus as set forth inclaim 1 wherein said supporting means comprises a conveyor operableafter the folding operation to convey away the folded merchandise. 8.Apparatus as set forth in claim 7 wherein said platform, when inretracted position, is generally flush with said conveyor, and whereinsaid mounting and moving means includes means for moving the platformupwardly before it moves inwardly.
 9. Apparatus as set forth in claim 7wherein said platform, when in retracted position, is at a level abovesaid conveyor.
 10. Apparatus as set forth in claim 7 wherein saidmounting and moving means includes means for tilting the platform to beinclined downwardly from its outer end when it moves inwardly. 11.Apparatus as set forth in claim 10 wherein said platform, when inretracted position, is generally flush with said conveyor, and whereinsaid mounting and moving means includes means for moving the platformupwardly before it moves inwardly.
 12. Apparatus as set forth in claim10 wherein said platform, when in retracted position, is at a levelabove said conveyor.
 13. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 for foldingthe merchandise on a card with one end portion of the merchandise foldedaround one end of the card wherein said supporting means is adapted tosupport the merchandise with said one end portion thereof extendingoutwardly on said one side of the supporting means and lying on saidplatform, whereby the merchandise may be placed in position for afolding operation on the supporting means with said one end portionthereof supported on the platform, after which a card may be placed onthe portion of the merchandise lying on said supporting means, and theplatform then moved in the manner stated to fold said one end portion ofthe merchandise around the respective end of the card.
 14. Apparatus forfolding limp merchandise with end portions of the merchandise foldedover one on the other comprising means for supporting an intermediateportion of the merchandise with outer portions of the merchandiseextending laterally outwardly on opposite sides of said supportingmeans, and means for folding over one of said outer portions of themerchandise to lie above said intermediate portion of the merchandiseand then folding over the other said outer portion of the merchandise tooverlap the first folded-over portion comprising a first platform at oneside of said supporting means for supporting said one outer portion ofthe merchandise, a second platform at the other side of said supportingmeans for supporting said other outer portion of the merchandise, andmeans mounting each platform for movement and for moving it away from aretracted position at its respective side of said supporting meansinwardly over said supporting means, and then back to said retractedposition, each said platform, when in its retracted position, having oneend, constituting its inner end, adjacent its said one side of thesupporting means and having its other end, constituting its outer end,spaced from said supporting means, said inner end of said platformmoving bodily inwardly over said supporting means from its said one sidethereof as said platform moves bodily inwardly, whereby the merchandisemay be placed in position for a folding operation on the supportingmeans with the said outer portions thereof supported on the platforms onopposite sides of the supporting means, after which the first platformmay be moved in the manner stated to fold over the said one outerportion of the merchandise and the second platform then moved in themanner stated to fold over the said other outer portion of themerchandise.
 15. Apparatus as set forth in claim 14 wherein each saidplatform, when in its said retracted position, is generally flush withsaid supporting means, and wherein the mounting and moving means foreach platform includes means for moving the platform upwardly before itmoves inwardly.
 16. Apparatus as set forth in claim 14 wherein each saidplatform, when in retracted position, is at a level above saidsupporting means.
 17. Apparatus as set forth in claim 14 wherein themounting and moving means for each platform includes means for tiltingthe platform to be inclined downwardly from its outer end when it movesinwardly.
 18. Apparatus as set forth in claim 17 wherein each platform,when in its said retracted position, is generally flush with saidsupporting means, and wherein the mounting and moving means for eachplatform includes means for moving the platform upwardly before it movesinwardly.
 19. Apparatus as set forth in claim 17 wherein each saidplatform, when in retracted position, is at a level above saidsupporting means.
 20. Apparatus as set forth in claim 14 wherein saidsupporting means comprises an upper horizontal reach of an endless beltconveyor operable after the folding operation to convey away the foldedmerchandise.
 21. Apparatus as set forth in claim 20 wherein eachplatform, when in retracted position is generally flush with said upperreach, and wherein the mounting and moving means for each platformincludes means for moving the platform upwardly before it movesinwardly.
 22. Apparatus as set forth in claim 20 wherein said platform,when in retracted position, is at a level above said conveyor. 23.Apparatus as set forth in claim 20 wherein said mounting and movingmeans includes means for tilting the platform to be inclined downwardlyfrom its outer end when it moves inwardly.
 24. Apparatus as set forth inclaim 23 wherein said platform, when in retracted position, is generallyflush with said upper reach, and wherein said mounting and moving meansincludes means for moving the platform upwardly before it movesinwardly.
 25. Apparatus as set forth in claim 23 wherein said platform,when in retracted position, is at a level above said upper reach. 26.Apparatus for foLding limp merchandise with end portions of themerchandise folded over one on the other comprising means for supportingan intermediate portion of the merchandise with outer portions of themerchandise extending laterally outwardly on opposite sides of saidsupporting means, and means for folding over one of said outer portionsof the merchandise to lie above said intermediate portion of themerchandise and then folding over the other said outer portion of themerchandise to overlap the first folded-over portion comprising a firstplatform at one side of said supporting means for supporting said oneouter portion of the merchandise, a second platform at the other side ofsaid supporting means for supporting said other outer portion of themerchandise, means mounting each platform for movement and for moving itaway from a retracted position at its respective side of said supportingmeans inwardly over said supporting means, and then back to saidretracted position, whereby the merchandise may be placed in positionfor a folding operation on the supporting means with the said outerportions thereof supported on the platforms on opposite sides of thesupporting means, after which the first platform may be moved in themanner stated to fold over the said one outer portion of the merchandiseand the second platform then moved in the manner stated to fold over thesaid other outer portion of the merchandise, said supporting meanscomprising an upper horizontal reach of an endless belt conveyoroperable after the folding operation to convey away the foldedmerchandise, said mounting and moving means including means for tiltingthe platform to be inclined downwardly from its outer end when it movesinwardly, the mounting, and moving means for each platform comprising acarriage movable laterally inwardly with respect to said conveyor awayfrom a retracted position at its respective side of the carriage to anadvanced position and then movable back to its retracted position,platform-supporting means carried by each carriage for vertical movementrelative thereto, each platform being pivoted at the upper end of itsrespective supporting means for swinging movement about a horizontalaxis extending parallel to the conveyor, means interconnecting eachcarriage and the respective platform for effecting said tilting of theplatform on its said axis as the respective platform-supporting meansmoves upwardly, and means for raising and lowering each platformsupporting means and moving it and the respective carriage inwardly andoutwardly.
 27. Apparatus as set forth in claim 26 wherein each saidraising and lowering means comprises a follower at the lower end of therespective platform-supporting means, fixed cam means guiding thefollower for inward and outward and upward and downward movementthereof, and an air cylinder for moving the follower.
 28. Apparatus asset forth in claim 27 having means for effecting operation in sequenceof one platform, then the other, and then tthe conveyor to convey awaythe folded merchandise.
 29. Apparatus as set forth in claim 26 whereineach tilting means comprises cam means on the respective platform and afollower therefor on the respective carriage.
 30. Apparatus as set forthin claim 14 for folding the merchandise on a card with said end portionsfolded over around opposite ends of the card adapted for placement of acard on said intermediate portion of the merchandise, whereby themerchandise may be placed in position for a folding operation on thesupporting means with the said outer portions thereof supported on theplatforms on opposite sides of the supporting means, after which a cardmay be placed on the intermediate portion of the merchandise lying onsaid supporting means, the first platform then moved in the mannerstated to fold said one outer portion of the merchandise around therespective end of the card, and the second platform then moved in themanner stated to fold the said other outer portion of the merchandisearound the otheR end of the card.
 31. Apparatus for folding limpmerchandise comprising supporting means, an inner platform normallyoccupying a retracted position on one side of said supporting means, andan outer platform normally occupying a retracted position outward ofsaid inner platform, adapted to receive merchandise with portionsthereof lying on said supporting means and said platforms, the outerplatform being movable away from its retracted position over the innerplatform for folding the portion of the merchandise on the outerplatform over on the portion on the inner platform, and then back toretracted position, the inner platform then being movable away from itsretracted position over the supporting means for folding the twoportions of the merchandise thereon over on the portion on thesupporting means, and then back to retracted position.
 32. Apparatus asset forth in claim 31 having an inner and an outer platform on the otherside of said supporting means.